Student Scholarships

Studying costs money, and scholarships can ease that considerably. Yet many students are unaware of how many scholarships exist and what their criteria are. This guide maps the landscape and how to approach it properly.

Disclosure: Educational information only. Scholarship conditions vary between providers. Any action you take is your own responsibility.

What a scholarship is

A scholarship is financial support for study that is not repaid, unlike a loan. It is offered by a range of bodies — institutions of learning, foundations, organisations, local authorities and the state — according to varied criteria. A scholarship may cover tuition, living costs, or both.

Common types

Need-based scholarships — for students from lower-income families. The most common category.

Merit scholarships — based on academic achievement.

Scholarships in exchange for activity — community involvement or volunteering schemes such as Perach, or scholarships granted for community hours.

Scholarships for discharged soldiers and reservists — part of the entitlement package for those completing service. See discharged soldiers.

Targeted scholarships — for particular groups, including new immigrants, students from the periphery, and priority fields of study.

How to find and apply

Start with your institution. Most have a dean of students office that consolidates available scholarships.

Foundations and organisations — centralised scholarship databases help locate them.

Your local authority — some municipalities offer scholarships to residents.

Discharged soldier entitlement services — for those completing service.

Applications generally require documents, including proof of enrolment, income data and personal documents, and meeting deadlines. Submitting on time matters more than most applicants realise.

Is a scholarship taxable?

It depends on the type. Certain study scholarships are exempt from tax under conditions, particularly those that are not consideration for work, while scholarships granted in exchange for work or service may be treated as income. It is worth checking the status of the specific scholarship.

Common mistakes

1. Not applying because "I probably will not get it." Many scholarships go unclaimed.

2. Missing deadlines — there is usually a defined window.

3. Settling for one scholarship — you can apply to several, subject to rules on combining them.

Summary

Scholarships can substantially reduce the cost of study, but only if you apply. Map the scholarships relevant to you — need, merit, service — apply on time, and check the tax status. See discharged soldiers and students and the benefits section. We provide the knowledge — the claiming is in your hands.